Governor Greg Abbott is Open to Texas Sports Betting, But Does It Matter?

In a somewhat surprising turn of events, The Lone Star State’s Governor, Greg Abbott, may be fully on board with Texas sports betting legalization. 

This is, in many ways, a victory for those who want sports betting in Texas. But its significance is still unclear—in so many ways.

For starters, despite being a wild card on the matter, Abbott is seldom painted as an outright opponent of sports betting in The Lone Star State. His support has to matter, because he must sign any prospective bill into law. But the real roadblock in this process is the support from the Texas Senate as well as Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick. Mr. Patrick, specifically, is known to be indifferent towards legal sports wagering, if not flat-out against. And he has repeatedly indicated there isn’t enough support among Senate members to discuss the topic, let alone vote on it or actually legalize it.

As online sports betting in the United States has continued to surge, many are hoping 2025 will bring a change of tune from critical stakeholders. And in Governor Abbott’s case, it just might have. But will that be enough? 

Governor Abbott Comments on His Texas Sports Betting Stance

Years ago, before the Supreme Court of the United States ever overturned the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act, Mr. Abbott maintained an unequivocal opposition to Texas sports betting. During a recent podcast appearance, though, he offered a different viewpoint. From ABC 8’s Matt Houston:

“Gov. Greg Abbott this week signaled he is open to authorizing online sports betting, though his support is unlikely to sway state senators blocking its legalization. Abbott has gradually softened his stance on gambling. In a 2015 letter, the governor wrote that he ‘wholeheartedly’ supported state laws that prevent any expansion of gaming. Abbott's latest comments represent the sharpest departure from his initial stance.

“‘I don't have a problem with online sports betting,’ Abbott told Texas Take podcast hosts Jeremy Wallace and Scott Braddock. “I would be shocked if there's not some Texans who do it already. It's a very common practice and it seems to be part of the entertainment that goes along when you're watching a football game, especially pro football, or other types of sports.’”

Governor Abbott’s closing thought is one that gets echoed by many Texas sports betting supporters. It is also factually correct.

Recent GeoComply data shows Texas online sports betting account creation attempts remain on the rise. What’s more, a NerdWallet Survey from December 2024 revealed that 20 percent of all Americans have placed a sports wager at some point in the last calendar year.

Even more notably, experts estimate the current Texas sports betting market is already a multi-billion industry, despite the state’s gambling laws. This is at once staggering and not at all shocking. Between crossing state lines to legal sports betting territories and access to offshore betting sites, gambling on sports is more accessible than ever to everyone—including in markets that don’t officially offer it.

Texas Senate Still Expected to Block Sports Wagering Legislation

Comments from Governor Abbott, as well as changes in structure to the House or Representatives, have fomented new hope for Texas sports betting advocates. But this optimism, while not entirely unfounded, remains too premature.

Multiple outlets confirm that the Texas Senate is expected to continue blocking any sports betting legislation that makes it through the House of Representatives. Granted, we do not necessarily need this confirmation. Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick has been communicating as much for years. 

Many maintain Mr. Patrick’s stance is part of a larger political agenda. That may be true. Nearly every time he provides a comment, though, he reiterates a lack of support among Senate members for Texas sports betting. 

If this dearth of support is indeed the status quo, sports betting in The Lone Star State doesn’t stand a chance. The groundswell of advocates in the House is certainly encouraging for sports betting proponents. But it is just about meaningless if any measure they approve has zero chance of making it out of the Senate.

When Might the Senate’s Stance on Sports Betting in Texas Change?

The natural next question following the latest developments: When will the Texas Senate change its stance? Or better yet, will it ever change its stance?

That second question is easier to answer. Most believe Texas sports betting will eventually be legalized. Gambling in the United States is too prevalent, and there is too much money at stake for The Lone Star State to permanently sit on the sidelines. 

Still, this isn’t the same as believing Texas sports betting laws will change anytime soon. They probably will not. There have not been nearly enough harbingers of progress. 

To that end, there are at least two things to watch for moving forward. Firstly, you will know stances are shifting if and when the Senate actually votes on a Texas sports betting bill. Even if that vote fails, it will count as a sign of progress.

Perhaps more importantly, be sure to monitor the status of Texas casino legalization. Certain experts believe that The Lone Star State will first change its casino laws. From there, Texas sports betting will be legalized in tandem or in due course. 

Take a look at this list of the top online sportsbooks so you can find one that works for all of your sports betting needs: